President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said on January 8, 2015, the people of this country contributed to the change the administration of the country which was increasingly moving towards a dictatorship.

The President emphasized that he will not allow to tarnish the aspirations of the people of this country they bestowed on January 8, 2015.

He made these remarks addressing a ceremony held in Nikaweratiya, today.

President Sirisena said the freedom and democracy demanded by the people have been ensured not only 100 percent, but 200 percent in the country after putting an end to an era of a dictatorship.

He added that even though some attempted to interpret the present regime as a lenient administration, all of them must understand it is a journey with freedom and democracy.

President Sirisena further said that although some attacked the government using the given freedom and democracy in the country in a wrongful manner, he will further strengthen the required correct political and development path for the country joining hands with all those who value the democracy including the scholars and intellectuals.